Laminate countertops are incredibly affordable and practical while also offering a clean, pleasing aesthetic. However, they may not be right for those who want their kitchens to have an elegant, modern look. They also won’t last a lifetime like some more expensive countertop materials.
Laminate is undoubtedly the most common countertop material because it offers the right balance of low cost, decent aesthetic, and moderate durability. That’s why you’ll find it in most starter homes and most rental apartments.
Pros of Laminate Countertops
Nearly-Infinite Design Options
Laminate comes in all kinds of colors and patterns. From white marble to sleek black granite, bold abstract designs, or soft pastel hues, there are plenty of options for any taste. Of course, you can also choose between various shapes and edges, as you can with most materials.
Budget-Friendly
Laminate is the cheapest countertop material, and laminate countertops typically cost $20 to $80 per square foot including labor, although they may cost up to $110 per square foot. Labor usually runs between $10 and $30 per square foot.
It’s worth noting that some of the more high-end options are more expensive than low-end options for natural stone. For instance, you may be able to get a granite or marble countertop for as little as $40 per square foot, plus labor. It all depends on your budget and preferences. However, installing stone is more difficult and generally more expensive.
Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance countertop at a low price, laminate is a great choice. It allows you to spend your budget on other parts of your home that may be more important to you, like cabinets or furniture.
Repel Stains
Laminate countertops are not porous, so they repel spills. With that said, certain spills like berry juice or coffee may stain if they stay on the surface for a long time, so wipe them away as soon as they happen.
Low-Maintenance
Laminate countertops are easy to clean with just some soap and water. If you’re worried about bacteria, you’ll be glad to know that as long as you keep it clean, laminate is good at keeping bacteria away. Check out this study by the National Library of Medicine.
However, make sure you don’t leave standing water on your laminate countertop, because you might damage it. Also, stay away from abrasive cleaners and bleach because you could scratch, damage, or discolor the surface.
Easy to Install
If you’re handy, up to a DIY job, and have the equipment, you can consider installing your laminate countertop yourself and save that $10 to $30 per square foot. Unlike countertops made of concrete or natural stone, laminate countertops are lightweight and relatively easy to handle.
Cons of Laminate Countertops
Not the Most Long-Lasting
Compared to long-lasting, durable options like granite countertops, laminate countertops will need to be replaced earlier. However, they’ll still last 10 to 30 years; the better you take care of them, the better are the chances of them lasting longer. They’re also cheaper than other options that may not last long without high levels of maintenance.
At our old home, we had what I now realize was a laminate countertop for a number of years. We were renting, so we didn’t install it, but you could tell it was laminate by the granite print (that was clearly just a print) and visible seams. The kitchen was a pretty old build.
But besides looking outdated and a bit worn, the countertop was still holding on pretty well despite its age. So if you’re considering a laminate countertop, know that this material is still pretty resilient. It’s just not a tough natural stone, like granite or quartzite.
May Look Cheap
As mentioned above, some laminate countertops beautifully mimic high-end options like marble or granite, and often at a lower cost. However, close up, you can notice the difference. They won’t have the depth or feel of real stone. When it comes to resale value, a laminate countertop may bring it down rather than up.
Our old laminate countertop had a granite-like pattern. But you could pretty easily tell it’s only a pattern. It had that 70s look that isn’t the most popular right now. However, that’s not the case for every laminate countertop.
Nevertheless, to some people, laminate counters may look better than outdated-looking stone counters. And if you choose a simple design, it can look sleek and chic.
I’ve seen sleek, modern designs that sometimes even replicate an industrial concrete countertop look, at least from afar, for much cheaper. Sure, they don’t have the look of a breathtaking natural stone, but they can look great.
Susceptible to Heat Damage
Heat resistance isn’t laminate’s strong suit. It doesn’t withstand hot pots and pans like some of its natural stone counterparts. Always use trivets and be very careful with heat, or you’ll damage your laminate.
Vulnerable to Moisture Intrusion
Moisture can get through seams and damage the countertop. Similarly to laminate flooring, affected laminate countertops can bubble or warp.
Can Get Scratched
Laminate isn’t a durable material. Over time, it’s likely to look worn and show scratches. Be sure to avoid cutting ingredients directly on your countertop to help it stay pretty for longer.
Vulnerable to Cracks
Similarly to scratches, cracks are another easy way to damage your laminate countertop. This material is simply not that durable, so it cracks easily, especially around the edges.
Significant Damage Isn’t Repairable
You can fix up small scratches with resin paint, but deep scratches, chips, and separated layers are a bigger problem. You’ll most likely need to replace the entire unit.
More Resources
Not a fan of laminate? Compare the pros and cons of laminate countertops to other materials. Check out:
- Concrete Countertops: Pros and Cons
- Granite Countertops: Pros and Cons
- Marble Countertops: Pros and Cons
- Quartz Countertops: Pros and Cons
- Stainless Steel Countertops: Pros and Cons
- Tile Countertops: Pros and Cons
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Main Image Credit: ungvar / Adobe Stock Free / License
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